Politics

A LEVEL


Course Overview

Government and Politics attempts to analyse, understand and explain the relationship between the political ideas, institutions and processes. The A Level focus is on: parliament, government and the people, representative democracy; participation; the structures of authority and power; the rights and responsibilities of individuals; engagement with contemporary politics in the UK; current political debates; and the links between political ideologies and political action. 

These are just some of the concepts that might be discussed by Politics students. As well as studying the ideas that are the basis of our political system, we investigate how effective the institutions of government really are, using the ever-changing world of current affairs to illustrate the academic theories.

In addition to reading and written work, research and presentations are regular features of the course. 



welcome Video



Politics Open Evening Slides - Google Slides - 11 October 2022.mp4

Target Audience

This course is suitable for students with a willingness to engage in the discussion of political issues.  Students are expected to keep up to date with political events by reading the papers, social media and following relevant radio and television programmes.  In addition, students will be expected to read formal texts and develop their essay writing skills. This course is a perfect accompaniment to any student taking Economics, Business, History, Law, Sociology or English Literature.



Year 12 Units

Unit one
UK Politics

Examining the key channels of communication between the government and the people, including democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media.


Unit Two
UK Government

Examining an understanding of the role and effectiveness of key institutions, such as the Prime Minister and Cabinet



Year 13 Units

Unit 3
Comparative US/ UK Politics and Government

Examining the US Constitution and Federalism, US Congress, the Presidents and the Supreme Court, Voting Behaviour, Parties and Pressure Groups. Students will compare these to the UK systems. 

Unit 4
Political Ideologies

Students will develop a good understanding of the ideologies which underpin modern political ideas and policies. These include Conservatism, Socialism, Liberalism and Anarchism. Students will examine how they have developed and are applied today. 

sample lesson

example work

Copy of Open Evening - anarchism- core ideals
Copy of Exemplar answer- 30 marker

Student testimonials

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Support sessions

Students have the opportunity to get a better understanding of Politics in action by visiting the Houses for Parliament and the UK Supreme Court. MPs and other speakers would normally visit lessons for students to talk to. After school support sessions are also available to help students achieve their potential on this course.

Higher Education Progression Routes

International Relations

International Relations examines the world of politics and the social-historical impact of global development. Students learn about the different political systems and governing policies around the world, understanding how they connect with a broad range of international issues, such as human rights, global poverty, climate change, global ethics, etc. 

Politics

Politics at degree level will give students an excellent grounding in the discipline, covering political theory, ideas and ideologies, and government and institutions. Students can also explore comparative politics, which considers the different national and international political institutions in Britain, the USA, Europe and much of the developing world. 

Future Careers

Lawyer

Studying A Level Politics can lead to a career in Law. Students can progress onto a career as a barrister, solicitor or working within the Justice System. 

politician

Studying A Level Politics can lead to a career in Politics. Not just as an MP, but also as a Lobbyist, Researcher, Adviser, Campaign Manager or working within Pressure Groups. 

journalism

Studying A Level Politics can lead to a career in Journalism. This could be with a newspaper, broadcaster or online media outlet. 

Student Destinations

Students studying this course at Sixth Form have progressed onto study:

Politics and International Relations - Bath University

Policy, Politics and Economics - Birmingham University

International Management - Reading University

History and Political Science - Birmingham University

International Relations - Leeds University

Case studies

Theo studied Politics at Midsomer Norton Sixth Form and after graduating with a degree in the subject he worked for an MP in Parliament as an aide.  Theo also worked as an election campaigner for both the Obama and Clinton campaigns, writing  speeches delivered by former President Clinton during the 2016 Presidential election campaign, spending time working in the Obama Administration. He now works in Critical Infrastructure, organising and overseeing UK government international development projects. And has in the past been gracious enough to visit Politics classes to tell us about his experiences.

Tash studied Politics at Midsomer Norton Sixth Form and after graduating with a degree in the subject she went onto work in the shipbuilding industry as a parliamentary lobbyist. She now works for Girlguiding where she is the membership communications manager.

Ciaran studied Politics at Midsomer Norton Sixth Form and after graduating with a degree in Law from Birmingham he is now a qualified solicitor and has been signed for both Cambridge and Moseley rugby teams in recent years.